I absolutely loved this book! It was funny and witty and honestly I couldn’t put it down. I already read and loved “How to slay on vacation” so I was afraid this new book would not have lived up to my expectations, but it nearly exceeded them. A very nice and funny read that I recommend!

Festive Fatalities..
Festive thrill fest in another darkly humorous tale of righting wrongs in, perhaps, the worst possible way. But.. a murderous Santa?… Just who will be on the nice list and who will be on the naughty list this year? Plenty of action, thrills and spills, twists and turns with a pacy plot and a cast of eclectic characters.

Never too early for Christmas 🤶 I think this might be the earliest in the year I have ever read a Christmas book but I am not sorry at all.. I love Sarah Bonner books, they are always so much fun to read, with a high body count, what’s not to love.

Jessica uses her job as Mrs Claus around the country as a cover for her real calling, taking out the bad people in this world and not getting caught. Who will be on her naughty list this year? Well, there are plenty of contenders in this village, who would have thought a Christmas market would be so violent!

It is a fast read, funny, dark and so entertaining. Add this to your festive TBR.

Thank you Boldwood Books for my copy of this book to read.

Crime? Check
Humor? Check
Amazing female empowerment? Check

“She is totally slaying it at work”

This story had me hooked from the start I was laughing I was intrigued.
There actually was a lot happening and the story paced really well and you really got to know them.
The side characters were amazing and it has all the ingredients if you want to have some little slaying this Christmas time around.

“Killing him feels good
It feels like justice
It feels like therapy
Oh, who am I kidding?
It feels like fun”

The ending like about the last 15-20% did feel very very rushed as if the book was coming to an end and the final strings all had to be tied together yet.
The ending didnt make a lot of sense it felt put in to be there without any knowledge of it in the rest of the book. I had hoped there were a bit more little sneaky links that would’ve tied the ending to the rest of the book.
Some parts also missed details.
Like for example the wife was keeping her author pen name a secret from her husband, she never speaks to him about it he doesn’t know, how does he suddenly know in the end? It came off as a pretty big deal for her so to have it casually thrown in that he knows felt off with the rest of the book.

“Some of the positions are surprisingly adventurous and they might give me some pointers for one of the books I’m writing under my pen name.”

This was such an enjoyable, fun read. I loved the setting of a Christmas market for the backdrop of the story. This would make a great holiday read as it had all the Christmas feels, with a hint of murder on the side!

The author created a cast of really likeable characters, and some who were certainly lacking any charm! The story is told from Jessica and Fearne's point of view with alternate chapters. It is well written and is darkly funny, but it also has a lot of heart. The ending was perfect.

Jessica uses the Christmas holidays to make sure bad people pay for their wrongdoing.  You wouldn't want to end up on Jessica's naughty list! 

Fearne is the long-suffering wife of Sebastian who organises and runs the local Christmas market. Sebastian is a control freak and likes his many rules to be followed... he will need to be careful that he doesn't end up on the list.

I loved everything about this, despite the murders, it was a feel good read and I will definitely be adding the authors other books to my tbr.

Wow what a book. This is like a Christmas movie but packed full of action. Like such a good book. I loved how different this was. Jessica loved Christmas I am so with her cause it's my favorite time of year.
I loved Fearne she was stuck in a marriage that was let's say not good no love it was sad really ( sometimes I feel this ) but she is the perfect partner for Jessica and all her plans and she had a lot. It's such a dynamic duo. But somehow it fits together!!
I mean seriously who wouldn't all the grinches that make Christmas awful gone. Me I would lol they take all the fun out of the holidays!!
This book for keeps you on your toes and you think you have it all figured out then we meet more characters and more things happen I will at times I felt confused and overwhelmed but I caught on quickly.
This was such a fun read and a really different experience to read but I throughly enjoyed this author and I'm gonna need more because I'm hooked.

What can I say - other than what a cracker this read was, dark funny crime thriller it promises and that’s exactly what you get.
Mrs Claus has a naughty list you really don’t want to be on!
Such a brilliant concept Jessica is just so badass I love her then put Fearne in the mix and you have an hilarious duo.
I read how to slay at work and how to slay on holiday which were both great too but I think this may have pipped them to the post such a fun dark thrilling read.
I cannot wait to see where Sarah Bonner takes us to slay next 😃

#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview

Festive season is coming a little early with this amusing tale of mischief and murder.

Justice is clearly a dish served cold and a little creatively depending on what's available 🤣

Fearne lives an interesting life and I did quite like her despite the fact she doesn't initially appear to have much of a backbone. She's a long suffering wife but devoted none he less and her and Immy are great.

I liked the friendship that Jessica and Fearne have and it seems Jessica is quite good at judging character and making quick decisions.

This was a fun festive read and I thought the ending was great and leaves us with potential for more!!

How To Slay At Christmas by Sarah Bonner.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. The cover definitely caught my eye. I got into this book straight away. I couldn't put it down. I loved Jessica character. Fearne grew on me. This had me in a fit of giggles. I loved it. The writing style and the story. This was a change in genre I needed. It had a bit of everything. Murder, tension, friendship, humour, and of course Christmas. The ending was different. I definitely recommend this book.

Jessica loves everything about Christmas, but has a dark secret. Fearne hates everything about Christmas and also has a secret. What happens when their worlds collide? Will it be instant hate or instant friendship?

Jessica plays Mrs Claus in various towns because she loves making kids and their parents happy. Nothing and noone is going to take the happy out of her holiday and all evil must be eliminated. Unfortunately, Christmas isn't that long so she spends her time playing poker during the off season to help pay her bills the rest of the year.

Fearne's husband is in charge of the annual Christmas market and takes Fearn for granted. Fearne writes tame novels that her husband knows about, but unbeknownst to him, she also writes graphic novels and has a little nest egg of her own.

This book has a lot of secondary characters that you'll also grow to enjoy. You'll find yourself being understanding of why Jessica does what she does.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book. I didn't find it gory at all as the author doesn't go into graphic detail about the murders. If you're looking for a quick read, with a twist at the end, I think you'll enjoy this one!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I will always welcome some murder and a little Christmas magic even in August 😂😍

I was a fan of the first two ‘Slay’ books and I’m a fan of this one.

Sarah always does short snappy chapters that reel you in and cliffhangers that make you want to keep reading!
This is easily readable in about 1-2 days but I had to adult 😂 so it took me 3!

Jessica’s infectious love of Christmas and everything the holiday season stands for will have you grinning and feeling warm to your heart… she likes it with a side of Murder too. I loved each kill and how she planned them.
The Christmas market theme was fab and if you’re saving this one for the holiday season you’ll definitely add to the Christmas vibes when you read it!

I enjoyed the dual POV’s from her and Fearne, I thought they were great characters and loved their developing friendship.
It was fun to have the mystery POV every so often and all gets revealed towards the end. Thought the ending was *chefs kiss*

I felt for Fearne at times but also just wanted her to stand up for herself a bit more. You could see where things were going within her storyline. It did make me chuckle towards the end.

I thought all the supporting characters were great, even the ones we disliked. They were written in a way to make you feel like that! I loved Alvi and his pack of doggies 😍

I could say plenty more about what I enjoyed but it won’t fit on the page 😂

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

With friends like these, who needs enemies? The "Slay" series has another winner. 3rd book in the series introduces us to Jessica, a woman who loves Christmas and is not afraid to kill to keep it traditional. Murder mysteries that are this entertaining can become addictive, as fans of Benjamin Stevenson and Elle Cosimano can attest. Sarah Bonner keeps the story moving quickly as the characters pass judgment with every bah-humbug.

Entertaining from first to last!

Ellesbury Christmas Market is a much looked forward event for some, but an annual dread for others. Jessica Williams is one of the former; she adores Christmas and everything that goes with it - after all - it's the perfect cover for her murderous intentions towards those who seek to spoil the season. Fearne Dixon, on the other hand - detests the annual festivities. Her husband is in charge of the market every year and, every year, it puts him in a dreadful mood and this tips over into family life. She tries her best to support him and ends up running around trying to deal with things which crop up here, there, and everywhere. How will these two women fare at this year's celebrations?

A smashing read with a bit of everything going on. Madness, murder and mayhem galore and, although there are some serious moments, it is all such fun. Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely one I would recomment - whether you love Christmas or not, there is someone in this novel for you. 4.5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

I love all of this author's books and I loved this Christmas tale too.
I liked that Jessica was killing off the bad guys but also I liked the supporting characters and there was a lot of love in this story. I think it's the best in the Slay series.

Mrs. Claus comes to town for her annual holiday slaying. Imagine her surprise when another killer turns up in the same town. Friend or foe?

I kept thinking as I was reading How To Slay At Christmas that it reminded me of another book. It actually wasn’t until I was sitting down to write this review that I remembered the book: This Girl's A Killer by Emma C. Wells. This is not a bad thing as Wells’ book is darker and filled with dark humor. How To Slay tells various viewpoints and I have to say that Jessica is a lot kinder than Cordelia (from This Girl).

I picked the book because of the title and the theme. I have a few readers who like some murder during their holiday season and I try to accommodate. I had a lot of fun with Sarah Bonner’s latest release in the “How to Slay” series. I have never read the author before so no worries, you can just jump into the series with this book.

Bonner gives us the main viewpoints of Jessica, Mrs. Claus, and her new best friend and town resident Fearne. Fearne is unsatisfied and unhappy in her life and marriage. She keeps secrets from her husband because he would not approve. Most of the time, it seems that she will kill him herself. I find this relationship to be pretty interesting as no one likes Fearne’s husband. I have to admit that I spend most of the book waiting for him to be knocked off 😆.

Jessica is a mix of wanting a “normal” life and fixing life’s problem people. I have to say that for someone who does no exercising or training, she’s pretty good. Unbeknownst to Jessica, there is someone researching her so we get to hear all about her past exploits. I have to admit that I didn’t guess the “who” of this character. I had a stray thought about it, but didn’t really expect it to be true.

The story is fun and well-written. You really don’t know how it’s going to end until it does. This is the best part of a mystery and a thriller; if you can’t guess the ending then it’s worth the read.

How to Slay at Christmas is a great addition to the holiday murder pile. It is actually a book that I might read again during the holiday season.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author and NetGalley for a pre-approved DRC in return for an honest review

Well, looks like Im going to have to break a habit of a lifetime and read a Christmas book outside of December!

I've never read anything by this author before, but after finding out that this book is quite similar to 'Happy Bloody Christmas' by Jo Middleton (which was a delicious Christmas treat in 2024!) I am hoping that I will love Sarah Bonner's book just as much! Apparently both are great for readers who, like me, like their festive fiction dark, hilarious and just a little bit twisted. This is the third in the murderous 'How to slay' series and promises just as much sublime dark humour as the first two, If this book lives up to expectations I will definitely be reading the others. Oh and if Sarah Bonner puts out another festive offering, I will endeavor to read that as well...in December!

#HowtoSlayatChristmas #NetGalley

📱E-Book Review📱

How To Slay At Christmas
Sarah Bonner

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is my first "slay" read and I'm not surprised that it just happened to be the festive book I pick up first.
I've had other novels by this author on my tbr for quite some time and I'm so glad that I've finally had chance to devour this book!

This being my first read really didn't feel lacking at all and I'd definitely say it worked as a standalone read here.
However, I definitely have to go back to read the previous novels now, as I loved this one so much!

This book kicks off with a bang and I honestly couldn't wait to get to the grissly parts and see what it was that sets Jessica and Fearne off on their dark journey.
Although, Christmas Is always a stressful time of year, the slightest thing could make some people snap!?

I loved the dark humour and the dual pov chapters which meant I just had to keep reading late into the evening.
I love the dual pov as this also gives us a different view of events as well as being able to really delve into the characters emotions and motivations.
We also see a few chapters from an anonymous pov which kept me guessing throughout and came as a shock when the reveal came.

The writing style and fun (can I say fun?) storyline had me hooked from start to finish and I found myself cringeing and laughing ...sometimes at the same time.

A great read and I can't wait to catch up with the others "slay" books soon.

As the title suggests this is a Christmas read. We have Jessica who loves everything to do with Christmas, even going as far as playing Mrs. Claus each season. Then we have Fearne, who is the complete opposite and hates everything to do with Christmas with a passion, mainly due to supporting her husband in running the annual Christmas market for the last decade.

This is a slight deviation from the usual cute wholesome Christmas love story that we usually get. Now don’t get me wrong we do have a love story, we have instant friendships, girl power, and reconnecting, but we also have a nice dose of murder and mayhem along the way.

I really enjoyed this book, I love the humour that litters the story, the lines of right and wrong are blurred and this story definitely sits in the grey space between. I love the women’s friendships and their sassy attitudes. I really enjoyed Sarah‘s writing style, there were some great plot twists and I certainly didn’t expect that ending!I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Sarah’s books. This was a great four-star read for me and I would definitely recommend.

Holy Killer Read! Yes, another Christmas tale, but with a twist. It’s a dark funny page-turner that balances the macabre with a hearty dose of humor.

Jessica Williams loves Christmas and is a Mrs. Claus serial killer with a Dexter vibe. How could you not love a character who is delightfully unhinged and hell-bent on restoring the Christmas spirit by taking out those horrendous holiday grinches on her naughty list?

Fearne Dixon is stuck in a joyless marriage. She’s the perfect foil to Jessica’s wildness and somehow gets caught up in this twisted tale. It’s such an interesting dynamic that shows how drastically different lives can intersect when you least expect it.

Just when you think you’ve got the characters figured out, we’re introduced to a smorgasbord of others: Hanna, Sebastian, Alvi, Immy, Lena, Bella Donna, Erin… the list goes on! Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of, and while the vibes were there, it felt somewhat overwhelming at times.

The plot is definitely a wild goose chase. The book couldn’t quite decide if it wanted to be a campy satire or a cozy crime tale, which is where it stumbled a little. Elements like serial murder, found families, animal rescues, and… wait for it… werewolf erotica? Yeah, it’s a lot to juggle. Towards the end, it was twist after twist, but it seemed to lack a solid resolution.

But hey, maybe I’m overthinking it. After all, despite its chaotic nature, it was still a cutting and chaotic holiday thrill. If you’re looking for something festive with a twist—and with a blend of murder, mayhem, and maybe a few laughs—How to Slay at Christmas could be your perfect pick this season. Just remember to embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride!

Thank you to Ms. Bonner for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Jessica Williams loves Christmas! She lives for it and kills while she is at it, too. But judge her not. She has a moral compass and only kills bad men who deserve it.

Fearne Dixon is about to explode, and her husband/baby doesn't help at all. You know, at some point, both women will find each other.

Together with the community at Ellsbury Christmas Market, you will have a fun, witty, dark humored read that won't feel so much like Christmas but more like various characters having their own fun while also crossing each other's path. Oh, and there are also pets looking for a home, so sweet.

Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.